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If You Give a Rake a Ruby

To say I’m a little jaded by Shana Galen’s books is an understatement. I first read Lord And Lady Spy and instantly, yes literally, searched out and read every book she wrote and then almost wept that I had to wait MONTHS for the next book, When You Give A Duke A Diamond, which happens to be the precursor to this book .

Galen always seems to find the human qualities in her characters that will have you on an emotional roller coaster. Yes, you will get sucked in and ask: What happened in the Marchioness of Mystery’s past? Why does she keep her heart prisoner? Will the Marchioness show that ruby red is not just a color she wears, but what she’s made of. Galen skillfully crafts the character by showing the character’s vulnerability, desire, and spunk.

I would be remiss to not mention that the leading men also send me in to wistful thinking, thus leading to wool gathering of how nice it would be to find a man with so many attractive qualities. Don’t get me wrong, each bad boy has his moment or two and in this case Galen’s leading man, Warrick Fitzhugh, is no slouch when it comes to living on the edge and feeling his moments of futility while dealing with his Marchioness. To give an example is: While in the middle of a crowded ballroom, Warrick flings the Marchioness over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and steals her away!! Oh, what tangled webs they weave!

If you’re a lover of romance, and you are if you’re reading my thoughts on this book, you’ll wish the man in your life had some of the gumption this man has! Happy reading all, you’ll be in love with Shana and her Lords and Ladies before you know it.